How to find the best hotel deal in Santa Barbara
The same magic that drives our flight search can also help you find the best-priced stays around. Use these handy tips to search smarter and unlock savings on your Santa Barbara hotel.
Save on your Santa Barbara hotel and get the room type you actually want when you book early. You'll also have more time to weigh your options and choose the perfect place.
That said, booking at the last minute can work to your advantage. Some places drop their rates a day or two ahead of check-in to avoid having empty rooms.
Another hack for cheaper hotels? Being flexible. If your itinerary isn't fixed, play around with your travel dates and discover what kind of savings are on offer.
Browse around for stays with free cancellation. Secure a great rate today and easily cancel later if your plans change.
Where to stay in Santa Barbara
Central Santa Barbara
To make the most of central Santa Barbara, you'll want to be near the attractions that brought you here in the first place. Here are a few hotels worth booking close to the highlights.
If you're searching for hotels near Old Mission Santa Barbara, book a room at Palihouse Santa Barbara. This 4-star Santa Barbara hotel is around 2 kilometres from this sight and tends to attract couples.
When it comes to hotels near East Beach (Santa Barbara, CA), Harbour House Inn earns its spot on any short list. Unpack your suitcase at this 3-star hotel in Santa Barbara and you'll be about 2 kilometres away. While it suits most travellers, families find it especially appealing.
Or experience the city from one of the hotels near Hendrys Beach. Simpson House Inn is 5 kilometres or so from this well-known sight. It's often chosen by couples and has a 5-star rating.
When to go to Santa Barbara
If your perfect getaway involves a packed schedule, book your hotel in Santa Barbara in October. This is peak travel season, so be ready for the city to feel extra lively.
Take things at a slower pace by locking in a Santa Barbara hotel in March. It's the quietest time to visit and is usually cheaper too.
Good weather can make all the difference when choosing travel dates. If you prefer warmer conditions, August tends to deliver with temperatures reaching up to 29ºC (84ºF).
You can expect lows of 6ºC (43ºF) during February, the coolest time of year.
To enjoy mostly clear skies, search for Santa Barbara hotels in June. It's the driest month.
Best hotels in Santa Barbara
Best budget hotels
Why pay more? Budget Santa Barbara hotels provide the basics so you can spend on what really matters: having adventures and grabbing souvenirs at every stop. Often equipped with money-saving amenities like laundry facilities and kitchenettes, you'll find at least 40 of these affordable stays across the city.
Settle in with just the right amount of comfort at Harbour House Inn. It has a 3-star rating and amenities including parking and Wi-Fi in designated areas.
Agave Inn offers 2-star value. Practical perks including luggage storage and Wi-Fi are there to make your Santa Barbara hotel stay smoother.
Another dependable find is Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara. This 3-star stay features parking and Wi-Fi.
Best 4-star hotels in Santa Barbara
When you're craving a little more from your stay, the 4-star hotels in Santa Barbara deliver. With around ten choices, they generally offer well-appointed rooms, attentive service, and extras like restaurants, bars, and guest lounges. These hotels feel upgraded without feeling overdone.
Palihouse Santa Barbara offers the kind of stay that does more than just tick boxes. A pool and an outdoor swimming pool add to the 4-star guest experience here.
Another Santa Barbara hotel to consider is Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel. It offers thoughtful amenities such as a golf course and a pool.
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is one more attractive addition to your list. It makes a great impression with concierge assistance, a restaurant and more.
Best hotels in Santa Barbara for families
Finding the right hotel can be a game changer when travelling with kids. With things like play areas, games rooms, and large suites, family-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara come with perks that make the trip easier. Choose from around 20 of these stays that both kids and adults approve.
El Encanto Santa Barbara takes the standard family trip up a notch. This 5-star stay features a laundry and a first aid room.
Best hotels with a spa
Begin your journey to zen at one of the 20 or so Santa Barbara hotels with a spa. They feature anything from hot tubs to fitness centres and treatment rooms. Throw in meditation spaces, in-room massages, and beauty salons and you have the recipe for relaxation.
Check in to Simpson House Inn and then put the world on hold. Concierge assistance, room service and a host of other perks await you at this 5-star accommodation option.
Or unpack your bags at The Eagle Inn. With things like massage services and a garden, this 3-star hotel in Santa Barbara makes you feel looked after.
Sunset Motel is the place to create your perfect wellness escape. You'll find a spa and a garden at this stay.
Best hotels with a pool
Turn up the fun on your trip with a pool. If you pick a city hotel, expect indoor or rooftop options. Resorts? They often go all out with expansive outdoor setups and the occasional swim-up bar. There are at least 40 pool hotels in Santa Barbara made for your next adventure.
Palihouse Santa Barbara comes with an outdoor swimming pool, ironing services and parking. You'll have all the essentials for a memorable stay at this Santa Barbara hotel.
Good times are guaranteed at Pacific Crest Hotel. This popular option features an outdoor swimming pool, a laundry and snorkeling.
Alternatively, make time for a little fun at Santa Barbara Inn. An outdoor swimming pool, this hotel has a fitness centre and accessible parking.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Who says you have to leave your pet behind? From cosy beds and feeding bowls to nearby walking areas, pet-friendly hotels are designed to help you and your best buddy feel at home. There are roughly 30 Santa Barbara hotels ready to welcome your furry friend.
You pack the treats, Marina Beach Motel will handle the rest. Amenities like air conditioning and bicycle homes add to the comfort of this pet-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara.
Hotel Santa Barbara is another place that'll treat your loyal companion like family. This popular option offers room service and accessible parking.
Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel understands the needs of pet owners too. Its amenities include internet access and a golf course.
Flying to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
Most flights to Santa Barbara touch down at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), this city's main airport. From there, the centre is around 13 kilometres away.
Reaching the centre of Santa Barbara takes roughly 25 minutes on public transport. When driving, it's about 10 minutes.
Residence Inn Santa Barbara Goleta is the perfect base for the night if you're flying in after dark. Not far from the airport, guests speak highly of this 3-star option's rooms.
Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta is a standout stay that's also near SBA. It comes with a 24-hour front desk and a laundry.
Frequently booked by families, Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta is another one to keep in mind. This 3-star hotel is just the place to put your feet up after a day of travel.
